Just started puting in for elk, deer and pronghorn in Wyoming. I hunt Colorado over the counter. I also put in points there as well. I will probably hunt Wyoming after 5 points for elk. But I want to hunt deer and antelope there every three. Just staying otc colorado in years I donít.

Am I the only one on here that doesn't have a clue what you all are talking about regarding the points and draws for elk in certain states? I know that Texas hunting is different than just about everywhere else. Is there a guide or website that kind of summarizes hunting in other states? I'm particularly interested in Utah and Idaho since I have people I can stay with in both places, but neither are hunters so I can't ask them.

You might look at some other western forums, Hunt Talk or Eastman's.Some services out there too that take care of your points and applications for a fee every year, Hunting Fool and Cabelas Tags.Most state have a preference point system for big game hunting. Every year you apply you get a preference point if you don't draw a tag, much like the draw tags in Texas.Usually only the top point holders get in on the tag drawing, the state put out the draw odds and point totals for everyone.Colorado has otc tags, meaning you can just buy a tag, but not every area in the state.Wyoming sets aside a certain percentage of almost every area and tags for a random draw that anyone can draw from regardless of PP.Idaho may have OTC tags so check their website and look online at the other forums.

Am I the only one on here that doesn't have a clue what you all are talking about regarding the points and draws for elk in certain states? I know that Texas hunting is different than just about everywhere else. Is there a guide or website that kind of summarizes hunting in other states? I'm particularly interested in Utah and Idaho since I have people I can stay with in both places, but neither are hunters so I can't ask them.

The very over-simplified answer is that draw odds are very tough in Utah and it would take many years to draw a quality tag. Idaho, however, has a great over-the-counter system and you can hunt there every year if you want.

If you want a serious crash course on the western point systems, sign up for a free trial on gohunt.com and read all of the draw strategy articles.

I put in and did not get drawn, have been putting in for years and used to be every other year we got drawn. But that has changed the last drawing took 2 points to get drawn and same this time. I heard they cut license quota but until details come out not 100% on that. I do know they have gone way up in price, driving this TX/WYO guy to start look else where.